Positive Images works with carefully selected adults from the LGBTQ community who are willing to make a commitment to the youth community.The mentor is not an assumed parent replacement; rather, he/she is a role model for the youth and a person the youth can talk to and discuss pertinent issues in their lives.

With a lack of visible role models in our gay and lesbian adult community, these youth want an idea of what it is like to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual ten, twenty, thirty, or more years down the road of life.

The traditional time commitment for a mentor is a period of 6 months. We find that the mentor/mentee relationship develops organically and gradually so some or all of this six-month period may not involve a one-on-one match up. Instead, mentors are expected to attend one of the P.I. general meetings (usually the fourth Thursday of the month is mentor night), as well as other social events that include both members and mentors. Many mentors choose to come to most of the Thursday membership meetings, and make themselves available to all P.I. members as a role model and someone with whom members can freely and confidentially discuss issues or problems in their lives. If and when a one-on-one match up is formed, the mentor and mentee generally meet face-to-face on a regular basis.

At the end of six months the relationship automatically “terminates,” is reevaluated, and may continue. Whenever the relationship ends, both member and mentee may apply to be re-matched.

Mentors can help the mentee build self-confidence, self-esteem, and cultural pride to last a lifetime by focusing on the talents, assets, interests, and strengths of the mentee.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact our office to receive a mentor package. You will need to fill out a questionnaire, provide 3 letters of reference, and meet with several of the advisors for an interview.

Go to www.positiveimages.org to find the forms to get you started.